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With more than four decades of legal experience, Ms. Sigmond focuses her practice on construction and real estate industry matters, including arbitration, appeals, bid protests, contract preparation, mediation, litigation, receivership and suretyship. She represents clients in construction defect litigation relating to issues that arise when adjacent owners develop their properties, as well as expediting a builder’s construction project by ensuring that the proper contracts are in place.

As a seasoned practitioner, Ms. Sigmond has a history of litigating construction disputes for public works and buildings in both the public and private sectors. She also has extensive knowledge of preparing contract documents, including design-build, construction management, guaranteed maximum price, and fixed-price contracts. Additionally, Ms. Sigmond is an experienced mediator and arbitrator handling construction or real estate cases for the New York County Supreme Court Commercial Division Roster of Volunteer Mediators and the American Arbitration Association’s Roster of Construction Industry Arbitrators.

For several years, Ms. Sigmond has taken an active role in shaping the construction law community in New York. She is a former Vice President of the New York State Bar Association and a former President of the New York County Lawyers Association. Ms. Sigmond is also a frequent speaker and has authored a number of legal publications relating to construction law and publishes “The Co-Op Condo Help Line” in the monthly Mann Report. Furthermore, she was a member of Law360‘s 2020 Construction Editorial Advisory Board.

As a recognized leader, Ms. Sigmond was presented with the Boris Kostelanetz President’s Medal in 2024 by the New York County Lawyers Association, named among the Crain’s New York Business “Notable Women in Law” list for 2022, and the New York State Bar Association’s 2020 “Real Estate Section Award for Professionalism.” In addition, she also received the Albert Nelson Marquis “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Marquis Who’s Who in 2019. She is also listed as “Top Rated” by New York Super Lawyers for Construction Litigation.

Ms. Grubesic is a recognized leader in modular and industrialized construction, known for connecting innovation, manufacturing, and human-centered leadership across the built environment. As the Founder of Offsite Dirt Network, she has helped amplify the voices, technologies, and collaborations shaping the future of offsite construction through industry education, media, and strategic partnerships.

With hands-on experience supporting the development of modular factories, project pipelines, and industrialized construction ecosystems throughout North and South America, Ms. Grubesic brings a practical and systems-driven perspective to modern construction delivery. Her work spans modular development, factory operations, transportation logistics, manufacturing strategy, workforce alignment, and AI-driven construction technologies. Ms. Grubesic currently serves in executive leadership roles across several organizations focused on advancing construction through innovation, including Merlin AI Software, Dynamic Modular Solutions, MSS Consulting and MSS Development Group. Her expertise centers on helping organizations transition from fragmented construction processes into scalable production-based systems that improve collaboration, efficiency, and long-term project outcomes.

A frequent speaker, moderator, and educator, Ms. Grubesic has participated in major industry events including World of Modular, Advancing Prefab, and the International Builders’ Show, while also contributing to podcasts, leadership forums, and continuing education initiatives throughout the AEC industry. She is also the co-author of The Modular Mindset: Building the Future of Construction, a book focused on advancing awareness, education, and strategic thinking around industrialized construction and the evolution of modern building systems. The book reflects her passion for helping the industry transition from traditional construction models into more collaborative, scalable, and manufacturing-driven approaches. Ms. Grubesic’s educational approach combines technical understanding with strategic leadership, emphasizing trust, communication, systems integration, and the evolving relationship between people, process, and technology within industrialized construction.

Mr. Frondorf owns and operates Cincinnati-based DG Frondorf and Associates LLC, a construction cost estimating consulting firm. He is a member of Consulting Estimator’s Round Table (CERT), AACE, and the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). He has 25 years of service as a construction estimator, and has presented several seminars on estimating practices and ethical bidding topics to trade associations and at industry events. Mr. Frondorf is also a past instructor of construction estimating at the University of Cincinnati and has guest lectured there and at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. He has also written several articles on estimating related topics in Estimating Today and Design Cost Data magazines.

Director of Landscape Architecture at Westwood Professional Services
Chad Kennedy is a licensed landscape architect with decades of experience designing outdoor environments for public agencies and private-sector clients. Mr. Kennedy specializes in simplifying the design and construction process, helping clients anticipate challenges, control costs, and develop functional, durable spaces that serve diverse community needs.

Mr. Kennedy is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), ISA Certified Arborist, LEED® AP BD+C, and ESRI ArcView Certified Professional. His work includes a particular focus on socially inclusive and sensory-integrated recreational environments, informed by extensive involvement with projects designed to accommodate users of varying abilities and needs.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kennedy has collaborated with public agencies across the country on the planning and preparation of construction documents for federal, state, and local government projects, as well as private developments. His work with municipalities, particularly in California, has contributed to the development of community spaces designed for long-term performance and use.

Mr. Kennedy also brings expertise in horticulture and arboriculture to his landscape architecture practice. His understanding of plant selection, urban growing conditions, and long-term maintenance allows him to consider both initial design objectives and the practical needs of the professionals responsible for maintaining these environments over time.

Mr. Flack has earned his designations, among select thousands in the world, as a Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Controls (CPESC) as well as his designation as a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI), lending his experience and training to his customers to consult them in all their stormwater needs. He has also earned his status as a Qualified Compliance Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS) and as a Qualified Preparer of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (QPSWPPP.) He also earned the Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL), which is a 17.5-hour certificate program as required by Washington State for all construction stormwater management. He is a subject matter expert and lead instructor for StormwaterONE, which has established itself as the leader in stormwater management training and credentialing, the school’s mission is to provide their students with the most comprehensive and up to date training of individual stormwater permits, online or in-person.

Brad has been invited to speak in-person on storm water and erosion control issues in many locations, including California, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Wyoming, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio and New Mexico, as well as internationally in Antigua, Guatemala, and in San Jose, Costa Rica. Furthermore, he has provided virtual online training for a wide variety of  organizations across the country, including the Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Stadium Authority, and more.

Additionally, he served as president and administrative vice president for the South-Central Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. Furthermore, he directed the IECA Region 1 Education Committee: Stormwater Management Track as co-chair, which encompasses North America, South America and Europe. Brad also sat as the Region 6 Chapter President for EnviroCert International (ECI) and was a member of the Policies and Procedures Committee for ECI. He has served as the Region 7 representative for the CPESC, Inc., group as well as the technical vice-chair for the Council. He has been an IECA Mentor and served as a TCEQ EnviroMentor.

Brad has been involved with Stormwater Quality Management since 2004 where he learned about permitting, turf establishment, erosion control and detention pond maintenance and has continued to be a student of the industry throughout his career. His attention to detail and depth of knowledge about structural control devices, vegetative stabilization and best management practices are a valuable asset to his clients and students.

His wife is his high school sweetheart, and they have been married for over 20 years and have three sons. Brad has also actively served at his church and has ventured on over a dozen mission trips, from drilling for water in rural villages in Honduras to assisting in hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. Brad was the Director of Hands and Feet Honduras/Puerto Rico, a 501(c)3 organization for over eight years.

Mr. D’Aloisio is a principal with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt, a structural engineering, landscape architecture, and building envelope services firm in East Syracuse, New York. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he is a registered professional engineer in New York. He is a member and past president (1997-1998) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Syracuse Section, and a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the Structural Engineers Association of New York State (SEAoNY). 

Mr. D’Aloisio has served on ASCE/SEI’s Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations Committee, the Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings Committee, and the SEI Sustainability Committee. Mr. D’Aloisio received the Order of the Engineer at Syracuse University in 1997. 

His 30-plus years of experience as a consulting structural engineer has primarily involved the design of new building structures, additions, and modifications, and analyses, assessments, and investigations of structures and facades. Mr. D’Aloisio has performed structural condition reviews of over 15 million square feet of buildings, and he has performed over 150 structural forensic investigations. He has presented over 300 times. 

Mr. Halsted is responsible for increasing the market share for ready mixed concrete products through education, promotion, design, technical services, and construction activities at the local, regional, and state level. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the use of cement and concrete in the pavements and geotechnical industry. Mr. Halsted has knowledge of planning, design, materials testing, construction, and sustainability; has participated in numerous training and construction workshops involving state and provincial transportation agencies, public works departments, universities, material suppliers, and consulting firms; and has authored several publications related to cement and concrete construction. He currently serves as a voting member of several Transportation Research Board (TRB), American Concrete Institute (ACI), and ASTM International (ASTM) standing technical committees. Mr. Halsted holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University and is a licensed engineer in the state of Georgia. Prior to joining NRMCA, he held civil and geotechnical engineering positions with the Portland Cement Association, the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, and the Georgia Department of Transportation. 

Ms. Dineen has been a paralegal for 36 years, first starting out in California and then in Spokane since 2000.   For the past 25 years that she has been at EMLVO where she has assisted her attorneys with cases in criminal law, personal injury and business litigation.  Her “super powers” are managing large volumes of discovery, preparing for trial and attending trial as a “Jodi of All Trades”.

Mr. Gonzales is Litigation Counsel and Assistant Vice President at Fidelity National Financial (FNF), the nation’s largest provider of title insurance and related services. As a member of FNF’s in-house litigation department, he represents insured homeowners in quiet title actions and easement disputes and represents the company and its subsidiaries in commercial litigation and consumer matters. 

Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Gonzales developed extensive experience in information technology, server administration, data privacy, and software design. He continues to draw on this technical background in his legal practice, particularly in matters involving technology, information systems, and data privacy. Mr. Gonzales also holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential. 

Mr. Suits is the Chief Executive Officer of Suits Litigation, Inc., a plaintiff personal injury firm based in San Jose, California, which he founded in 2012. With 22 years of legal experience, he focuses his practice on advocating for individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Mr. Suits earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 before obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California Law School in 2003. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked as a litigation attorney for the firms of Tharpe & Howell, LLP and Robinson & Wood, Inc.

Mr. Tollefson is a principal at Black Robe Dispute Resolution Services, PLLC. He also serves as a pro-tem judge for Pierce County Superior Court. Previously, he served as a judge for Pierce County Superior Court for more than 27 years. During his time on Superior Court, he was on the Executive Committee, served as presiding judge, and participated on a number of local Superior Court committees. He served on several committees in the Washington State Superior Court Judges Association and as a trustee on the Association’s board of trustees for five years.

Mr. Nuño is a 2008 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a specialty in structural and environmental engineering, he has established himself as a leader in the field of drainage and erosion and sediment control. In his 18-year career, Mr. Nuño has excelled in the design of land development projects including grading, utility design, stormwater management, and erosion control. Through his experiences as a consulting engineer, he has prepared civil construction plans for such clients as Marriott International, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Lennar Homes, Oakwood Homes, and Kiewit Infrastructure West. In the field, Mr. Nuño has provided stormwater inspection services for SDG&E, Caesars Entertainment Group, and public agencies such as the City of Carlsbad, California, and the Town of Elizabeth, CO. He has managed civil projects in 19 different states and prides himself on working with developers, architects, and contractors to bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and constructability in the field. Mr. Nuño is a registered professional engineer in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and California; a Certified Floodplain Manager; a certified professional in erosion and sediment control, a Colorado LEED accredited professional, and a qualified SWPPP developer/practitioner. He is an active member in the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Urban Land Institute, and the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers. 

Dr. Michael Liptak is a senior ecologist at EnviroScience, Inc, where he specializes in wetland ecology, wetland restoration, and mitigation wetland design. Dr. Liptak earned a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Toledo and a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science at Ohio State University under the noted wetland ecologist Dr. William Mitsch. He has over 25 years of experience in wetlands research and consulting and is a Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America). His primary responsibilities at EnviroScience Inc. include wetland mitigation planning, wetland assessments and delineations, technical report preparation, and permitting. Dr. Liptak is a member of the Society of Wetlands Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and regularly gives seminars on wetland issues and regulations.

Ms. Rocazella previously acted as the crew lead of the vegetation management program at EnviroScience with a focus on the treatment of exotic and nonnative plants. She is now operating as a full-time biologist and a pollinator conservation specialist with a focus on the identification, monitoring, and conservation of Midwestern, native bee communities. Ms. Rocazella earned her Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology from Kent State University where she developed her passion for pollinator and bee communities. She has lived in Costa Rica for a cumulative 4 months as a research assistant studying the specific relationships of Neotropical bees and the local plant communities within the Palo Verde National Park. After her return to the States, she worked for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for 2 years where she identified and helped curate their collection of North American bees. Following this, she worked with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a member of their vegetation management crew and acted as their weekly pollinator survey crew lead. Ms. Rocazella’s main responsibilities at EnviroScience include native habitat restoration, pollinator habitat assessment and installation, and performing population surveys for common and endangered bee populations. She has extensive experience in the research process, including preparing methodologies and executing field work necessary for high-quality data acquisition. Additionally, Ms. Rocazella is skilled in a variety of insect surveying methods with a focus on sweep netting, cup trapping, malaise trapping, as well as other techniques. She has previously held a scientific collection permit with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources for her consultancy work with the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, and currently holds her Endangered Species Recovery permit with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for regions 3 and 5 to perform similar work on a federal scale. Ms. Rocazella is passionate about giving presentations about the importance of pollinators and works regularly to educate and excite others about these critical species.

Ms. Dobreva is a dedicated project manager with a successful track record in the construction industry. Currently based in Los Angeles, her experience encompasses a diverse range of projects in commercial real estate, luxury living, and biotech/life sciences, featuring budgets that span from $15 million to $300 million in states such as Arizona, Texas, Michigan, and Florida. She specializes in project management, cost management and construction consulting. Ms. Dobreva diligently engages in all project phases, from design to construction management, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes while building strong relationships with her clients. Passionate about purposeful design and the use of natural elements, she continually seeks innovative ways to add value to projects and spaces creatively, showcasing her dedication to both her professional and personal interests.

Dr. Atalah teaches construction management at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). He has taught and mentored hundreds of construction management students since 2000. Dr. Atalah has written many peer-reviewed-journal and conference papers. He has made hundreds of construction management presentations in many national and international conferences and educational seminars. Dr. Atalah has been involved in the construction of water and wastewater projects since 1984. He earned a Doctor of Engineering degree, an MS degree in Civil Engineering, and MBA degrees from Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA. After his graduation with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1982, he worked on the construction of wastewater projects in very challenging conditions such as high ground water table, stratified soils, unknown utilities, congested streets, and nearby high-rise buildings. Dr. Atalah also worked on the construction of water and wastewater projects in very challenging conditions such as tunneling in very sensitive tourism and commercial areas where construction disturbance must be minimized on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Cann Law, PC 
Amy M. Cann is the founder of Cann Law, P.C., where she practices business, employment, and technology law. Before becoming an attorney, Amy owned a consulting firm serving businesses throughout New England and worked extensively in business operations, organizational leadership, and human resources. She previously practiced at McLane Middleton, P.C. 

In addition to her JD degree, she earned an MBA and certifications in data privacy and cybersecurity, and has a particular interest in the practical and ethical use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in legal practice. 

Amy serves as co-chair of the NHBA Solo/Small Firm Practice Section and as a volunteer mediator for the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. She regularly presents continuing legal education and professional training programs on employment law, workplace investigations, technology, and the use of AI in legal practice for UNH and several national organizations. 

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-cann/  

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 
Casey Erick is a partner in the Dallas office of Lewis Brisbois. He focuses his practice on labor and employment matters and commercial litigation. He has represented clients in both litigation and transactional matters that span across commercial law, labor and employment, real estate, consumer protection, and general litigation including, but not limited to breach of contract, corporate trade secret theft, tortious interference, defamation, personal injury, fraud, and various other kinds of civil litigation.  He has represented high-profile clients as well as defended against high-profile national and global entities in matters related to commercial litigation, defamation, privacy, negligence, the Stored Communications Act, the Texas Harmful Access by Computer Act, Texas identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-erick  

Chair and Professor at City University of New York (CUNY)
Marissa J. Moran is an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the courts of New York and New Jersey, and the United States District Courts. She is currently Chair and Professor in the Department of Law and Paralegal Studies at New York City College of Technology (City Tech), CUNY, where she teaches Legal Technology, Forensic Science and The Legal Process, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibilities, and Theatre of Law. Professor Moran is a member of the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, where she served as one of the principal drafters and contributors of the task force’s published report, including sections on the legal profession’s impact and the evolution of AI and generative AI. She has spoken extensively at NYSBA CLEs and national paralegal educator conferences on topics including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, legal technology, and forensic science and law. Her article on biometrics and facial recognition technology was featured as the cover article in the May/June 2023 New York State Bar Association Journal.

Cari L. Sheehan is an assistant general counsel with Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP. With over 15 years of legal experience in civil litigation, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility, she serves as the firm’s assistant general counsel with Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP. In this role, she advises firm attorneys with respect to ethics compliance, risk prevention, and conflicts of interest. In addition, she assists in the review and negotiation of outside counsel guidelines, conflict waivers and engagement letters, and other items with ethical implications. She also assists in providing ethical training and education within the firm to its attorneys and staff. Ms. Sheehan is an adjunct professor at the IU Robert H. McKinney School where she teaches Professional Responsibility. She is also a former assistant clinical professor of Business Law and Ethics at the Kelley School of Business. She is passionate about promoting ethical awareness, integrity, and professionalism in the legal and business fields and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in these domains. Ms. Sheehan is a frequent presenter and author on ethics and professionalism in the legal industry. She is a recurring author with the Res Gestae regarding the ethics curbstone and has been quoted in publications for her knowledge on ethical topics. Ms. Sheehan is also an avid speaker, having given over 200 seminars on ethics and professionalism for various local and national platforms. Her primary area of research is regarding the ethics of AI and how it affects the legal and business community.

Mr. Suits is the Chief Executive Officer of Suits Litigation, Inc., a plaintiff personal injury firm based in San Jose, California, which he founded in 2012. With 22 years of legal experience, he focuses his practice on advocating for individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Mr. Suits earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 before obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California Law School in 2003. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked as a litigation attorney for the firms of Tharpe & Howell, LLP and Robinson & Wood, Inc.

Mr. Banks is the principal attorney at Banks & Associates, PLLC, a Houston-based law firm focused on meeting the needs of government and construction contractors throughout Texas. He is a trusted advisor for licensed professionals, CEOs and managers in construction firms, and government contractors. Mr. Banks was licensed as a CPA in 2003 and has more than 20 years of experience as a lead accountant and CFO for successful government contractors. He earned his B.B.A. degree with a double major in Accounting and Finance from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, and secured his J.D. degree from South Texas College of Law. Mr. Banks is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Association of Corporate Counsel and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Mr. Banks is a member of the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Samuel J. King is a partner at McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans. Mr. King is an experienced civil litigator and trial lawyer. Based in the firm’s Frisco office, Mr. King represents businesses, insurers, and individuals in complex civil litigation across Texas. His practice focuses on high-exposure personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, and property loss disputes. He represents clients through every stage of litigation, from pre-suit investigation and discovery through mediation and trial.

Mr. King was born and raised in Dallas County. He graduated from Irving’s MacArthur High School in 1991. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University in 1997 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center in 2000. Mr. King has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 2000 and is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is a member of the Texas Bar College, an honorary society recognizing commitment to continuing legal education and professional excellence.

Mr. Mazzola graduated from the University of Houston in 2006 with a B.S. in Kinesiology with a focus in Sport Administration. While at the University of Houston, He was accepted into the Sales Excellence Institute at the Bauer College of Business and obtained an advanced certificate in Professional Selling. After graduation, he went to work for a major insurance carrier for three years before embarking on law school. In 2012, he obtained a law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. During law school, Mr. Mazzola served as a senator for the Student Bar Association, chair of the Young Alumni-Law Student Chapter, participated in numerous mock trial competitions, and was a member of the External Advocacy Program’s Competition Negotiations team. In addition, Mr. Mazzola was a staff writer on The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race on Social Justice where his article on how the law often criminalized victims of human trafficking received Credit with Honors. Because of his experience as a staff writer, he worked as a TA in the Legal Research and Writing program.

Brian C. Steward is a civil trial attorney with the Law Firm of Brian C. Steward, P.L.L.C. Mr. Steward is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Steward is also a Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. These are honors reflective of over three decades of complex civil litigation in Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey and New Mexico.

Mr. Steward was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990, as well as the Western, Southern, Northern and Eastern Districts of the Federal Court system in 1992. Mr. Steward was admitted to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1994. Although a civil trial lawyer, he has argued numerous cases to the Fourth Court of Appeals.

Over the years, Mr. Steward has handled products liability, medical malpractice and business litigation matters through trial. In addition to his trial practice, Mr. Steward serves as a certified mediator who has assisted litigants since the inception of the Bexar County mediation system in 1992. Unlike many mediators, he remains actively engaged in complex litigation, regularly evaluating cases, preparing for trial, and advising clients on risk and resolution. This ongoing, hands-on experience allows him to approach mediation with practical insight into the challenges faced by both counsel and their clients.

Mr. Steward has also been involved with the San Antonio and Texas legal communities. He has presided over the Medical Legal Liaison Committee of the San Antonio Bar Association on three separate occasions. In 2021, the San Antonio Bar Association recognized Mr. Steward with the Distinguished Service Award due to his work with various organizations in Texas, North Carolina and Massachusetts. He was also elected to chair the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee District 10. He currently serves as a Director of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and is a former Director of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

His dedication and hard work have been recognized by his peers as evidenced by his selection as a Texas Super Lawyer (2016 to present) and Scene in San Antonio’s Best Lawyers since 2006.

Mr. Steward is an active supporter of the continuing legal education efforts. He has been a frequent contributor and presenter to these efforts since 1999. In 2015, he was tapped to serve as the Course Director the Advanced Personal Injury Trial Seminar in 2017. He has also presented at the Texas Trial Lawyers, San Antonio Trial Lawyers, Corpus Christi Bar Association and other legal groups since s since 2015. He is an active member of the William S. Session’s Chapter of the American Inns of Court as well as mentor programs with St. Mary’s School of Law.

Mr. Blakeman is a Principal and Managing Partner at CARBO. Before joining the firm, Mr. Blakeman worked in North Carolina, gaining experience in park, commercial, institutional, and municipal projects. Over 25 years, he has developed a broad knowledge base in detail design, large-scale site planning, and master planning. His well-rounded approach to the design process provides thoughtful design solutions. As a Partner, Mr. Blakeman provides team leadership throughout the design process, fosters positive client relationships, develops conceptual themes, and ensures quality implementation. He facilitates efficient and effective communication between workgroups, clients, and multi-disciplinary team members. He is also responsible for business development in the public and private sectors within the region, working to grow the firm’s presence. 

Mr. Blakeman earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University in 1999. He is a Registered Landscape Architect in the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, & Florida, and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Mr. Blakeman has also been active in the local ASLA chapter, serving on the Executive Committee from 2006 to 2019.

Mr. Geismar is a Landscape Architect with cross-discipline education in architecture. This broadened perspective lends itself well to complex urban design and place-making, where multiple cultural, social, natural and historical influences often intersect in the built environment. He regularly collaborates with civic groups, community stakeholders, and multi-disciplinary design and technical teams to develop enduring connections between people and places. As an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP, Mr. Geismar co-founded the Vacant Lots: Occupied (VLO) platform to align private, public, and academic collaborators to support local communities in re-envisioning the best and highest use of under-utilized parcels. The program has received a number of local and state awards for its effective planning and transformation of underutilized parcels for maximum social and environmental impact. Further, Mr. Geismar’s strong visual communication skills help convey complex conceptual and technical ideas to broad and diverse audiences. His compelling visualization has a proven track record of garnering community support and assisting fundraising.

Mr. Maung-Douglass joined CARBO in June of 2017 after completing a 2-year research and design fellowship at the LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio.  Mr. Maung-Douglass received a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Temple University in 2013 and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Roger Williams University in 2005. 

Before moving to Louisiana, Mr. Maung-Douglass was an intern with Biohabitats, Inc. in Baltimore, MD.  For this internship, Mr. Maung-Douglass was tasked with the design, construction, and operation of a small-scale wetland treatment system that would filter water from Baltimore Harbor.  While there, Mr. Maung-Douglass also worked on various other ecological restoration and landscape design projects. 

During his time at the Coastal Sustainability Studio, Mr. Maung-Douglass worked on the Changing Course design competition, the design of an interactive coastal Louisiana exhibit for the Center for River Studies, the creation of visualizations for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and a range of in-house projects related to coastal Louisiana and the August 2016 flood. 

Mr. Maung-Douglass is a certified Master Naturalist through the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association and is also an active member of the Capital Area Native Plant Society. 

Ms. Norval received her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Louisiana State University in 2013.  Since graduation, Ms. Norval has gained professional experience on projects across southern Louisiana and has worked closely with various suburban and rural municipalities gaining skills in community engagement.  She approaches each project with an emphasis on designing with the community while fostering environmentally sustainable methods and practices.  Her active projects range from universally inclusive neighborhood playgrounds to large-scale stormwater parks.  Ms. Norval is also an active advocate for her profession and has served on the executive committee of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. 

Throughout college and internships, she has had the privilege of traveling locally and abroad to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the direct implications of design within a community.  As a southeastern Louisiana native, she has a deep appreciation for the culture that has evolved from our dynamic coastal landscape.  She understands the need for creative design in the face of climate change and has worked extensively on stormwater management projects at varying scales. 

Ms. Norval also maintains an interest in Louisiana native and naturalized plants and local recycled materials as they are used in stormwater management practices and coastal sustainability. 

Mr. Searns has a four-decade history of visualizing, planning, and getting trails and greenway projects built. He was project director of Denver’s Platte River and Mary Carter Greenways, both national-award-winning projects. He helped plan the Grand Canyon National Park Greenway, played a key role on the Memphis Wolf River Greenway, and authored the Commerce City, CO, Walk, Bike, Fit Plan. He has written for Planning, Landscape Architecture, LA China, and American Trails magazines and has served as editor-in-chief of Trails and Beyond magazine. He chaired American Trails and was a founder of The World Trails Network as well as being a delegate to the America’s Great Outdoors White House conclave. His current book is Beyond Greenways: The Next Step For City Trails and Walking Routes, published in 2023 by Island Press. This book was chosen as one of THE DIRT’s (American Society of Landscape Architects) 10 best books of 2023. He resides, writes, hikes, and bikes near Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Whittaker has 28 years of experience in landscape architectural design and planning. His professional philosophy and skills include the integration of sustainable design, public process, community building, cultural resources, and art. As a lead project designer, Mr. Whittaker has led many sustainability and regenerative design initiatives both within our firm and in the Greater Cincinnati region. He has worked on several LEED projects and has been a strong regional advocate for the Living Building Challenge. He has participated in site projects from conceptual design through design details and construction drawings, and he has played an instrumental role in creating innovative technical and aesthetically compelling solutions to stormwater management challenges.

Professor Opfer teaches coursework in construction management, cost control, cost estimating, structural design, and facility systems (MEP design). He is also an industry consultant on design and construction issues, construction safety/defects, methods/materials, and production issues. Professor Opfer has been a consultant to numerous ENR Top 600 Design Firms, Top 400 Contractors, and Fortune Top 500 Corporations. He received his B.S. in Building Theory, B.A. in Business, and B.A. degree in Economics, all from Washington State University. Subsequently he received his M.S. in Management (MBA) from Purdue University and his P.D. in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Professor Opfer has been involved as an estimator, lead estimator, chief estimator, and estimating consultant on billions of dollars of construction projects over his career. 

Mr. Kwiatkowski has over 25 years of experience in the field. He’s a certified professional ecologist (CE) and fluvial geomorphologist, who has collected and analyzed data on more than 1,000 miles of river and stream and contributed to stormwater best management practice manuals, addressing the design of ecosystem restoration projects, green infrastructure planning, water quality improvement, and habitat reconstruction. Mr. Kwiatkowski’s assisted numerous clients, including non-profit organizations, municipalities, park districts, and government agencies, with the planning, design, and installation of restoration projects on a variety of scope and scales. His day-to-day professional responsibilities include project management, public outreach, stream assessment, data analysis and calculations, restoration design, and construction oversight.  

Mr. Brauer has designed more than 50 new courses and remodeled more than 80 during his golf course architecture career, starting in his native Chicago before moving to Arlington, Texas. He is also a prolific author, writing a monthly column for Golf Course Industry magazine and serving as lead author on Designs on a Better Golf Course: Practical Answers to Common Questions for Green Committees for the ASGCA Foundation. He has taught golf course design at his alma mater and, now retired from active practice, serves as Director of Outreach for ASGCA, working on behalf of members and the industry at large, including support for Foundation initiatives.

Jennifer Buckman has more than 20 years of experience representing public agencies and private clients on water and land use issues involving the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, federal reclamation and other water supply laws, and the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. She also has extensive administrative law experience and has negotiated complex matters, such as the San Joaquin River Restoration settlement agreement and its implementing legislation, with regulatory agencies such as the United States Bureau of Reclamation, State Water Resources Control Board, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Before joining BKS, Ms. Buckman served as the in-house General Counsel for Friant Water Authority, a joint powers agency that delivers water to over one million acres of highly productive irrigated farm land on the east side of the southern San Joaquin Valley. Prior to joining Friant, she was in private practice for 16 years, where she represented clients in matters concerning a host of environmental and public law issues. 

Mr. Emrick has over 30 years’ experience in water rights, land use, business/real estate litigation and environmental matters. He practices throughout California. He earned his juris doctorate degree from the University of California School of Law, San Francisco in 1990. Mr. Emrick is admitted in both State and Federal Courts in California including the First. Third and Fifth District Courts of Appeals as well as the United States Northern and Eastern District Courts. Mr. Emrick has also practiced before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. Mr. Emrick has represented numerous public agencies and private parties over the years on water rights matters, including water districts and cities. This experience includes water rights litigation, water rights due diligence and verification, water rights valuations, and practice before the State Water Resources Control Board. Mr. Emrick is a frequent lecturer on water and property rights law. He has appeared on radio programs including KZYX in Mendocino County.

Mr. Hicks is a California water law, real property, and conservation attorney who represents a variety of public interest organizations, landowners, and others on select public policy, transactional, administrative, regulatory, and litigation matters. Before law school, he was an energy and water policy analyst at the Natural Heritage Institute and the founder and executive director of the Headwaters Institute. He has interned at the San Francisco Office of the City Attorney, California State Water Resources Control Board, and American Rivers. Mr. Hicks founded and chaired the inaugural California Water Law Symposium sponsored by leading northern California law schools and is a Board member. He is the author of the Water Education Foundation’s 2020 Layperson’s Guide to Water Rights Law, recognized as the most thorough explanation of California water rights law available to non-lawyers. He is a former whitewater raft guide, kayaker, and Colorado Outward Bound School instructor. Mr. Hicks holds a J.D. degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and a B.A. degree from the University of Vermont.

Hugo A. Loáiciga, Ph.D., P.E., B.C. WRE, PH is the Director of the Hydrology Laboratory and Distinguished Professor with the University of California Santa Barbara. His fields of specialization include Groundwater Hydrology/Water Resource Planning, Management and Natural Resources and Applied Mathematics/Statistics. Dr. Loáiciga has earned numerous awards and professional distinctions some of which include: 2026 Pioneers in Groundwater Award, American Society of Civil Engineers/Environmental and Water Resources Institute, 2025 Fellow, Environmental and Water Resources Institute, 2025 Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project and University of California, Santa Barbara, and the 2024 Outstanding Research and Innovation Award, American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE). He has been published in 441 Scholarly Publications. Dr. Loáiciga earned his Master of Science degree and his Ph.D. in Hydrology & Water Resources from the University of California, Davis.